YSU student organization looking for ways to give back to community

The Student Social Work Association at Youngstown State University is beginning to plan how it can make a difference during the Spring 2013 semester.

The student organization focuses on giving back to the community by helping those in need. Last semester, the organization raised money to donate to area organizations.

“We held bake sales, sold candy, conducted items drives and volunteered our time to make a difference for people in need,” said president Joline Renner.

The student organization kicked off last semester by conducting an items drive for the new American Legion Post #472 on Indianola Avenue.

Members of the organization, YSU and the community contributed, and the organization donated toiletries, blankets, pillows and household necessities for the temporary housing of homeless veterans.

The organization then raised $510 for the men of Ohio Valley Teen Challenge. This particular organization is a one-year residential treatment facility for men in recovery from addiction.

“I have never felt such gratitude as I did from these men by simply giving them a $10 gift card to Walmart. They work so hard to turn their life around and give back to the community. We are thrilled to have had the chance to help in some small way,” said Vice President Sarah Joyce.

The bachelor-level social-work students wrapped up last semester by raising more than $400 through candy-bar sales and private donations to buy presents from a holiday “wish gift list” for all 31 women and one child who are residents at the local YWCA facility.

Members of the student social-work association gathered at Walmart and bought presents for all 32 members of the YWCA. The student organization then gathered to wrap and deliver the presents to the members at their Christmas party.

The students also participated in the National Alliance on Mental Illness walk.